Toyota General Manager answers 10 TOUGH QUESTIONS...
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- čas přidán 3. 05. 2024
- In this video I have a tough conversation with Toyota, Ford, & Hyundai dealership General Manager (GM), Kevin Harris. We talk through some controvercial topics to include markups, greedy dealership tactics, the slowing of car sales across the US, and the high prices of new vehicles... specifically the 2024 Toyota Tacoma and 2024 Toyota Tundra. I ask for his honest, unfiltered responses... and I think he delivers.
Even after offering to share the topics with him the day prior, he respectfully declined and opted to do this LIVE! No prep, no going through the questions beforehand. These were his honest, on-the-spot responses.
I appreciate Kevin for taking the time to have this discussion. Not sure I'd be met with the same level of optimism with other GMs... so big shoutout to him.
If you guys appreciated this type of video, please consider Liking and Subscribing for more. Thank you for taking the time to tune in! Really appreciate it!
-Stay Untamed...
QUESTIONS ASKED:
1. Could you tell everyone who you are and how long you’ve been working in auto sales?
2. It’s no surprise that sales have slowed tremendously across all dealerships recently… what are you guys doing to remain competitive in today’s tough market?
3. Hardest vehicles to sell right now?
4. Easiest vehicles to sell right now?
5. Tundras and Tacomas stacking up on Toyota lots across the US. Why do you think that is?
6. Why have you historically charged markups? Is the additional $5-10K really worth losing a potential life-long customer? They likely won’t come back. (Especially in a small community like ours, where reputation matters).
7. Are you still deploying them now? Who benefits from these markups?
8. I often encourage folks to leave 1 star reviews for dealers that charge markups… and to remember who the greedy dealers were throughout the last few years. AND to never pay them business in the future. What would you say to that?
9. What is it you enjoy most about what you do?
10. What are the biggest challenges you face as a GM?
Anything else you’d like to share with my viewers?
#toyota #carmarket #generalmanager #markups
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@untamed_motors - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Never forget what dealers did to us during Covid.
practiced capitalism....
@@juanshaftpatel7488 I think you need to take a financing course and learn about the ways capitalism can be maliciously manipulated.
One of them is artificial price setting. Inflating commodities to artificial values by high % to valuation.
Say, $40k markups on $45K vehicle raising the average transaction price of the vehicle (MMR), combined with organic inflation (Fed).
It's always been one of the pitfalls of capitalism that it is so manipulable when scarcity becomes a concern.
Instead of appealing to the better-natures-of-man and "holding the line of decency" certain sectors of the market become scalpers.
This has ALWAYS been a problem.
Saying, "Ohh waaahh the banks did it!" when the banks raise LTV to accommodate shitty dealer practices and an inorganic cash-flood does not mean you had to market adjust like a greasy little gyri-lacking weasel. Nobody made you do that.
A small segment of consumers will always have the liquidity to pay stupid prices for stupid things.
Using them to bridge the gap between market-availability is also your problem.
Be a decent human being and please learn what capitalism *is* before thinking there is no net-cost for fucking with valuations.
I await your bloviation in response.
@@juanshaftpatel7488 Correct and it cuts both ways.. You heard him. Ones who pay a big mark up very rarely return.
The irresponsible consumer did this to us
@@Photoguy15 100% correct. I’ll bet that at least 95% of the consumers didn’t need a new car. They should have hunkered down and waited for supplies to catch up.
Respect to Kevin for sitting down and doing this, but most importantly being open minded and listening to his customers.
You must be his secretary.
Weird, his dealer website still have mark up listed on their site.
Paid Markups is our fault, as a customer, because we decided to pay, and we are losing our values.
Absolutely correct. Saddens me that people would go along with those unfair asking prices. In many ways we are “too blessed “ here in America.
I get it and if people are financially capable, that’s capitalism and what America is about. People are free to make good and bad decisions, whatever you do, own it.
100%. If we didn’t pay them they wouldn’t keep doing it. Supply and demand.
Not really. If the vehicles weren't marked up to begin with it wouldn't be a problem.
“Our fault” ???
I personally didn’t pay a marked up price and in fact I have never even paid msrp.
I pay at MOST 1% over true invoice cost or I walk.
People need to learn to negotiate “invoice plus” deals instead of working down from msrp.
DEMAND to see the true copy of the dealer invoice so you have an idea of what you should pay above that invoice cost and if they won’t show you the invoice, get up and leave.
I give a lot of credit to that GM for agreeing to your interview and for his candid answers. I would want to give his dealership my business. Nice job Untamed!
And by doing so you would pay 10% to 20% more for your vehicles in that local market. Ken Garff is notoriously the highest price shop in town.
Wow you’re dumb.
Ken Garff's general manager seems genuine and caring. Respect to Kevin and Untamed for doing this difficult interview.
Thanks brother 🙏
Yeah, genuinely concerned about those 1 star reviews that are now hurting their current sales 😅
The reason he isn’t doing markups anymore is because he can’t. He is full of it. Like he had a life changing event from a CZcams video
Yeah I call BS. They fafo. Lots are filling up so they are putting on a pleasant face to bring back the people they screwed over the last few years.
Ken Garff? Huh, I almost went out to this place for a Tacoma last year.
Car dealers are right up there with the politicians in my book.
Unnecessary? I purchased a new Sienna a few months ago and there was not one thing the “team” did that I could not have done myself.
@@RustyZipper
Try to buy Land Cruiser and we will see what kind of experience did you have.
Yeah only bend over backwards for people like you who don't appreciate it!!!!!
If dealerships don't change, Direct to consumer is the only solution. They are sealing their fate..
Yeah cut the middle man. No one liked car lots or salesmen.
Exactly. The Tesla business model is the key to ending all the Stealer-Ship unethical greed.
Definitely on a new car. Just order it online.
You have no idea what may happen. You do realize what happened to Tesla during covid times, right?
What the heck are you talking about with Tesla?
What ever you think of Tesla’s cars….. they’re selling direct business model is what we need other American companies to follow suit.
I will never pay over sticker never ever
Lol I'll never pay sticker.
Problem with saying that you’ll never pay over sticker is that they are now building the market adjustment into the MSRP . Deception and greed
I will always pay under MSRP
You are a hero. Get yourself a cookie. You deserve it
this is how people should treat each other despite different points of view.
Respect to the general manager for taking that interview and yourself for the courage to speak with the dealer!
It’s so refreshing to see this interview and response from this general manager. I’d like to thank this man for his honestly and candid response to these tough questions. Regular folks appreciate it. Times are tough and we’re all in this together. This is a dealership people need to buy from.
They aren’t selling because the sales people treat customers like shit. I sat in that dealership for 2 hrs before anyone even talked to me. Then they wanted to if I was willing to put down 10k before they even knew what vehicle I was interested in. It was the absolute worst experience ever in a dealership I’ve ever had, went to their competitor and purchased 2 vehicles. Shame to, I really liked the car they had but no car is worth being treated that poorly when you spending 60 plus grand.
selling a vehicle is easier than doing a manual labor. get in and out in one hour should be the standard. bullcrap process
prob because you look poor
@@wagyu_killer then why are you a loser?
Garff is a crappy dealership group. They have the Mercedes franchise in Salt Lake City and I went to a party where a few of their mechanics were present. They bragged about how they “screwed the rich f*cks”, ex charging for services they never actually performed. As another commenter described, they completely ignored me on the sales floor; no Mercedes sale for them! I’ll tell you how I’ll use a Garff dealership- drag them thru a brutal sales negotiation and then go buy from someone else. Too bad, as I’d like to keep my business in my home states of Wyoming and Utah.
Ken Garff is terrible. I bought 2 cars from them. First one good, second will keep me from buying a third. Ken Garff Riverdale GMC is terrible and deceitful.
That’s awesome. Much respect for that GM to be open and willing to listen. May that dealership prosper under their new way of doing business.
Tactics aside, I give credit to this GM for being willing and open to have this discussion in such a transparent way.
Additionally, I can say that his people were really amazing a number of years back when my Dad (who lives in Montana, I live in California mind you) had his 1983 Tan Toyota Pickup finally give out after nearly 600k miles. That said, he was bummed and it kicked me into gear to find him a Quicksand Toyota Tacoma 2013, a Certified Used vehicle, and they were amazing top to bottom with the transaction which was a lot tougher than someone walking in off the street wanting to buy it would be. They were able to put it in his name (with my Mom’s help with documents), helped me in getting a lifetime service contract setup with the local to Montana dealer, and were able to deliver it on a truck bed to their very rural home.
I couldn’t imagine anyone let alone a group effort being so accommodating, foreseeing possible snags and helping to smooth them out before they happened, and it made for an amazing experience and resulted in my getting a 2013 FJ Cruiser in Quicksand a few years later :)
Thanks for the vid as well!! Doing the work of the journalists while they argue over identity politics and orange man bad, smh…
Thank you for that positive feedback. I’m glad to hear you and your dad had a pleasant experience with them a few years back! =]
Used Car Dealer in Northeast College Town: 12 years in Car business; sold new for GM, Toyota and Audi. Respect for Kevin for getting on camera.
He gets paid partially on reviews(bonuses.) I had 11 straight months of perfect surveys. It takes work: follow up, phone, pay attention to customers' wants, and own up when mistakes happen, as they do. He winced about the reviews.
He didn't have to do the interview. The power of a following of a Toyota enthusiast on CZcams is a real thing. I think part of this is getting in front of a problem down the line. Brandon in North Carolina (Car Questions Answered) recently interviewed a GM at a Nissan dealer. Thanks for interview.
Huge respect for this GM. I can tell you from experience from dealerships in WI, not many would do this. I'm sure this was nerve-wracking for him to sit down and do this.
Haha yeah… much easier to say No to this. Kevin was more than happy to support this. He’s a solid dude! 👍
I’ve got some snow tires to sell you in July in Phoenix.
@@michaelevans691 lol don’t Like your own comment… not a good look. 😉 😂
Firstly , the manager seems like a class act and is VERY brave. Amazing. I think I could learn a lot from someone like him and I hope I get to meet a lot of people like him in my life.
Other thoughts:
When everything is purchased with debt , all problems are about interest rates. That's pretty much it.
When the money supply is debt , and the cost of that debt went up, it means the cost of everything went up.
People can't afford it. Basically...
If inflation is zero and rates go up , you still essentially have inflation until high rates drive down prices (causing deflation ) (they are , and they will).
If everything is debt (it sure seems like it is ) ... When the cost of financing doubles , prices have to be reduced by 50%... Basically...
Big kudos to this GM for doing this interview.
Kevin deployed expert level salesman tactic. Very good at his job. Story telling, empathy, regret, soft facial expressions.
By reading the comments… hook has been set. Now reel them in.
Don’t take it personal.. this is just business and on both sides
Good post!
All experienced salespeople take acting / training courses. This guy didn’t get to be the GM because he can clean a toilet
I'm President of my company and I came up thru Sales. Do you know how rare that is? Yes, many of us have had sales training. Kevin seems genuine to me. He had to beat out the Service Mgr, Finance Mgr, Accounting Mgr, and all the other trained sales people to get his job. If he has 151 employees, he has a huge payroll to make every week. You don't make the payroll using sales gimmicks...
Overpriced.
The owners of that franchise should give their GM Kevin a huge bump for his quality of service and commitment to them. A genuine dude that helps soften that dark cloud on top of stealerships. Great vid and informative
I appreciate this interview. Up charging is never ok. Much respect to this dealership.
I agree it’s not okay, but it is a supply demand thing so I understand why they did especially during Covid. I don’t understand why they are doing it now though
A salesman is a salesman is a salesman. He’s not going to risk his job giving real answers. The supposed “turnaround” regarding markups is just a ploy to get your viewers to the dealership. “I have a lot to learn still” says a guy in the business for 25 years. He is cute though.
Did you watch the video? He gave real and thoughtful answers.
Your name is kirk
@@Jw2AmendmentAs a 25 year auto sales veteran myself...... This guy is a salesman who's word tracks are VERY prepped and methodical delivered.
He’s only been a GM for 3 years tho I think
I need Kevin to take over at a few Toyota Dealerships here in the Balt./DC area... They could learn a a lot of things from him. Thank You Sir for sitting down in the hot seat to do this interview, much respect. We need more GM's out there like you!
Well done video Sir…Just purchased my 4th LEXUS vehicle from the same dealership here in MA…and every purchase was a 5 star experience. The dealership has always met expectations…to the point of N/C to replace a water pump out of warranty in appreciation for my patronage. Always fair on traded vehicle too. That is what keeps me coming back. Will be checking out your past videos too.
Big Respect Kevin. Im sure you are a very successful and supportive GM. Solid truthful answers. Did it live. RESPECT
I loved this interview. I will probably buy a '24 Tacoma. My local dealer sold me a '23 Rav4 Hybrid at MSRP. That was rare last year. I will go back to him for my new truck. I met Karsten Solheim in 1986. He treated me very well in fixing my problem with my ping golf clubs. He gave me a great deal on a new set of clubs. I have been one of his best non-paid salesmen ever since. In both the Tacoma and Tundra, Toyota is asking us to take a leap of faith jump with them on their downsized engines, and they are asking for a substantial increase in money to go along with it.
Fantastic video here.
I was a Nissan/Mazda technician for 10 years in the 80s. I was very fortunate to work for a dealership that shared the same values as I’m seeing here. It is refreshing to see a general manager like this gentleman that is willing to reflect and make changes. He seems to be willing to do that professionally and personally. It is also very apparent that he genuinely cares for his employees and their families.
Hat's off to you as a GM to have such a sit down. Provide your answers and perspectives and show everyone what you.. your dealership... is doing to help the industry. Very down to earth and very respectful to see and hear your honesty and humility. Hopefully you trigger others in the automotive industry to follow suit. It's a great step in the right direction and the industry as well as the consumer needs it. Because frankly vehicle prices are astronomically to high. Granted there is a lot of technology in the new vehicles. However prices are beyond that. The industry is struggling as are the consumers. In some cases it is unaffordable and in far more it's just beyond acceptable to pay so much.
Kevin comes off as extremely sincere during this Q&A, and that gives me hope for my future buying experiences. As he said, the bad apples are most likely the minority in the car buying game, and we as consumers need to do our due diligence with regard to researching, and vetting a potential dealership worthy of purchasing from. Thanks for shedding light on a kind human being, who’s not above changing his ways for the greater good in his industry. That’s a win for consumers in my book, and I wish Kevin nothing but success going forward. Hopefully other GM’s watch this, and follow suit 👍🏼
I give this guy all the credit in the world for answering all your questions,even if I didn't like alot of the answers, but most if not all of the stealership owners would run and hide from your questioning.
Awesome that he agreed to do this video.
On the flip side, dealerships are back-peddling now that prices are dropping. Make sure to save this video for the next time the industry is charging ADMs.
I found a dealership that never sells (new cars) above msrp. From 2019 through last month I purchased the following vehicles at MSRP from them: Supra, G550, LX600 and most recently a Turbo S. (Also, this dealership is 1000 miles from me, but they treat me well, so I give them my business)
I can’t say it enough, and I’m glad he acknowledged it, that most dealers loose sight of the value of building relationships through customer lifecycles rather than immediate profit.
This was a great video, I feel you should do this more often and bring the GM's down to Earth. This GM seemed to be a reasonable person and humbled to the work you have been doing and listening to us as a community. Great work Untamed!
One of your best videos. Great that you brought the GM to the forefront and showed that there is a sincere person behind the scenes. This interview is a result of your organizational management background. Thank you for highlighting this side of the business.
UT, this was the best video yet! I can really appreciate both of you getting down to business with the industry. Not one of the Tacoma Bros has ever done something like this. This is something you and the GM should do together at least one a quarter. Keeping the dealership honest and transparent is the only way to continue to improve your business and brand! “You can’t coach integrity you are born with it!!!!!! “
Thanks a ton man for the positive feedback. Really appreciate that. 🙏 I’d like to setup a reoccurring engagement like this.
Moron
you just stumped and exposed dealers with this one. Very well done. You are one "unhappy customer" that is making a change and letting dealerships know that something needs to be done with our dealers and prices.
Respect to him for taking the time to sit down and have the conversation
Deep appreciation for the GM doing this interview, especially with taking some tough questions. The parent company hasn't had the best reputation in the industry, especially since the son/grandson started running the organization, but this interview suggests they have turned the corner- especially in terms of customer service. Thanks for posting up!
I worked for Lakeland Toyota Lakeland FL back from 1995-98. I worked used cars, but was also able to sell new. We stayed on our side of the lot because selling new was not worth it. It was a great education, and it's interesting to see how it's changed so much. Great interview, Thanks.
I remember a while back maybe 2 years ago I commented leave 1 star reviews. I'm glad that's still mentioned people do read reviews and dealerships care. Probably the best thing you can do end this takes 30 seconds
Nice of him to still put on the show for the interview, but the only epiphany dealers ever had was that uninformed customers will pay markups and continue to do so. lol
I guarantee if we have another round of Covid The general manager will be going back to markups. His answer was disingenuous on why they marked up vehicles. Now, if he had said the word greed, I would’ve had respect for him.
Great video! Thank you!
Kevin seems like he cares about his customers! Hearing his answers makes me feel like there really are some good car dealerships out there!! At least ONE!
We just want a fair and transparent deal. When the manufacturer says "this is what we think the car is worth"...who tf is a dealership to tack on $10k in bullshit fake fees.
I get that we all need to make money...but let's be transparent
Key point he made is buyers need to be transparent also makes you mad when they sell a hot vehicle and then see it online for over 10k more makes them think we should get that 10k!lol
@Sire638 you can't control what somebody does after the transaction. I understand where you're coming from, but the majority of us out here just want to buy a new vehicle for our own personal use. It's a very small number of models that are worth $10,000 more than the next week than what you paid for them this week...
If you want to do that to a Raptor R I'm all about it. But a midtrim F-150 shouldn't cost 75,000
Hat’s off to you Untamed Motors. I commend you for asking to tough questions and holding the dealerships accountable. Thank you for taking the risk !
I really appreciate it man, thank you 🙏
Great video , thank so much Kevin for your honesty, as a GM who started as a salesman, you have grown to be a great person and have recognized the true value of running a business. Yes is business and business have to make money but what a joy if on the process you are creating an environment where your employees become a better person and your customers are happy with the services you provided it.
Wow that GM gets it now and I wouldn't hesitate to buy a truck at that dealership he's honesty is refreshing. I think this channel is awesome great job.
He gets it? Thinking it's okay to gouge people to pad his pockets. Wake up bowhunter and smell the coffee. These new vehicles are way overpriced already without greedy dealer add ons.
@@randallzook5570 I agree with you 1000 percent they are way over priced but I give him credit to see his mistakes and hopefully he fixes them. I won't be trading my 2020 tacoma in for a new one. I'll wait to these price's come down but it's a start in the right direction. There is nothing he can do about toyota's greed but he can change his and I think he's on the right track.
words are all you needed? Nieve attitude is exactly what stealerships are looking for. I bet you have an auto loan(the quickest way to remain poor).
I’d buy from this dealership. Great vid.
Great video! I appreciate this manager taking the time to answer these tough questions. I would definitely go to this dealership to purchase a vehicle!
Great interview. That GM is solid. I am happy that he is backing up on the mark ups and he should be applauded for that.
Im in SC..ISO a Nissan Titan Pro4x...even though I appreciate Kevin's words, he would be the first GM that I have come across that has any real interest in his employees...100% its a biz and the bottom line is priority #1...maybe he is being sincere-only his employees will know that..if he is, thats awesome. happy for his employees. I like this video-..as other GMs should jump on this band wagon and try to show a genuine/vulnerable side...nice work.
Great interview with a good guy. It was honest and there needs to be more of this in the car business.
Love this interview and the candid responses the GM was giving. I purchase a couple cars a year, and I will add dealership to the inventory of cars that I'm continually looking to buy.
That was a very nice honest and respectful conversation. We need more of this in life today.
Thank you Untamed Motors.
Really appreciate it, Bruce. Thank you. This was a fun conversation to have, I’m grateful for Kevin being open to the idea.
This is an incredible video. Best I've ever seen regarding auto dealership practices.
I purchased a Highlander in 2022, had to wait but my local dealership did not have markups, I searched other dealerships where they had as high as $3,000 markups. Those dealerships will never get my business in the future.
The GM seemed sincere and I applaud him for giving this interview... I truly think he is a good Man and that he truly cares about others in providing a great service and product and is not only interested in PROFIT.
A special not for Untamed,
Very well done on this interview.
Guys this what is missing from society overall: making a living while allowing others to live. Kevin I will come to Cheyenne, WY to purchase my next vehicle. I’m super impressed by you Kevin and the Ken Garff dealerships. Great video Fish……..
Took guts to answer unprepared questions candidly for the audience. He does appear to care for the customers and also learn from this experience. Wonder if he's ever run into this unique environment in his 25 years. It sounded unlikely. Here is how trust is built. Well done. Both of you.
Great Job 💺 Force. This is what we want to see, true car journalism, asking the questions we want answered. The Manager was honest in his answers, specially with mark ups. Thank you. Kuddos to the Manager as well.
I appreciate it man, thank you! Was a fun conversation to have with Kevin. Grateful he was willing to have it. =]
Thanks for the interview. This content is way better than the thousands of repeat content from any Toyota event. The amount of Taco/4Runner videos got old after the 3rd video. This on the other hand is just gold! This is juicy and refreshing. Hope you can do some follow ups with this GM in a few months about the industry and sales at the dealerships.
yeah it'd be nice to see/hear if his sales are going up and if his reviews are going up. I think that'd send a strong message through the dealerverse
Thanks for the feedback guys. I really enjoyed having this conversation with Kevin, and really appreciate his willingness to talk through some of these difficult topics.
The hero that nobody ask for but that we really NEED it! Thank you Untamed Motors
Untamed, stay true to your core values, ethics, and morals. Don’t be discouraged for ever sticking to them, even when the boiling frogs try to pull you back into the pot. Your honesty and integrity keeps us coming back to view your videos, brother.
Thanks a ton man, really appreciate that. I’ll stay the course! =]
I had a dealership that sold me a 2020 Honda Accord hybrid at MSRP during COVID when all other dealers were screwing people for unwanted extras. I bought a CRV from them the next year and got my neighbor to buy from them last year. This was all after a dozen Honda dealers were trying to get me for $6-8K. I will never do business with any other dealership.
He has a tough job but he’s doing a great job. Good luck to him and his team.
Man a lot of respect to the GM! Self reflection is key too grow!
Fresh take - recognizing that a customer taking the time to provide (honest) details of a negative experience is actually providing a valuable service for the business, an opportunity to improve.
Businesses that ignore this constructive feedback deserve the results.
Great questions and props to the Gm for doing the interview. Bc, at the end of the day, any GM avoiding such an interview you have to ask, “What do they have to hide?”
Respect to that GM for doing this.
Much respect to this GM for sitting down and answering some tough questions. I live down in Greeley and I’ll be in the market for a new truck in a few
Months. I’ll go up and check out his dealership for sure, thanks to this video 🤙🏽 nice work Untamed
Thanks brother 🙏
That’s great to hear. I hope they can take care of you come that time.
Hook line and sinker!
Willing to have this conversation now that he has a lot full of cars he can’t sell. Probably wouldn’t have been so open when gouging everyone in 2022/2023
Kudos to Kevin for taking on this interview and for acting like a caring, decent person. Nice work to both of you.
Cheers to the dealership GM for having the guts
Thank You, Ken for your honesty. I think that teaching people how to be better people should start at HOME . Learning respect at a car dealership is unexplored territory and if that's where you learn it your parents have failed you miserably. Good interview, Good information. Greed has taken over in all aspects of our lives and we will all suffer the consequences!
Thank you Kevin for sitting down for this interview. Respect❤
Never forget any dealer who price gouged customers during the Coof!
Kudos to you for having this interview and gutsy move from the GM in doing it.
Thanks man, really appreciate that feedback.
That was a very good video. I commend Kevin for stepping forward with character and making changes. I am in the process of buying a 2024 4Runner. If I have any issues with my dealer I will give this one a try next.
Amazed he did this, good for him!!!
He didn’t even think twice about it. Was more than happy to support. 👍
When auto loans rates are high and sales are bad, stealerships will do or say anything to get you in the door including playing the wholesome good guy card. When you trust anyone at a stealership you are in trouble.
@@islandhopper100 can't argue much with that!
This is my first time on this channel. Great topic and great manager. I hope the best for you both.
Great video brother … this is a video lots of people need to share across the board… just maybe it will open a lot of manufacturers and dealerships eyes to whats the most important thing ….. THE CUSTOMER at the end of the day !!
Thank you, Troy. Absolutely… it’s been easy for a lot of dealers to forget that over recent years. 💯
When I saw the title and the intro, I thought it was going to be a parody. WOW I can’t believe he honestly went on camera with an actual interview!😮
Great interview Untamed. I still won’t do business with any dealership who marks up over MSRP. I’ve never paid more than $500 over invoice
I appreciate the GM sitting down with you. I've wanted a full-size truck for 3 years now; can't find one that's w/in budget. Before Covid, the spectrum of trim levels allowed for something the common person could afford. This is not the case anymore. If your "budget friendly" lower trim levels are $60k and over then you've effectively left your customers in the dust.
He must work for a good owner not many gen managers would be able to say what he said and the owners thought about the community over a few dollars, so hats off to you to have the courage to have such a wonderful conversation with management in the way you did with being offensive or putting him on the defensive and you are right they do support 150 familes put food on the table and i wish there were more guts like that who cared about the community they live and do business with.thumbs up sir.
Thank you to this GM for doing the interview, extremely hard times and circumstances. Appreciate his honesty and willingness to change. Big change however will have to come from higher up. I understand everything is going up in price due to inflation, higher salaries per government regulations etc... However, straight up gouging is now being noticed industry/nation wide. I love Toyota, and would love to get another Tacoma... Obviously with these prices it's not in the cards. Was super excited for this generation of Tacoma and was waiting years to buy it... We'll just have to wait and see what happens. I'll hold on to my 13' Sport until the time is right.
Kevin I enjoyed our conversation on the phone and I can't wait to visit your campus prior to the arrival of my 6th gen 4runner I'm ordering thru you guys!
RESPECT to this GM for this interview. He seems genuine.
My comment was kinda early. If true I am glad they don’t do the markups just because anymore. Great video.
Hats off to this GM being willing to do this and change the game plan. I hope it works out well for them.
Much respect for the GM to open conversation,speak up candidly and honest. I would drive out of my state to buy a car from him than some of the Toyota dealers in south Florida. They reap the customers to the bone and when you bring your car for maintenance they take an arm and a leg and the car comes out with different problems.
Thanks for your boldness, keep up the good work.
Top quality content! Got a question for the next installment: "how do you justify 'mandatory' dealer accessory add-ons, including the Cheyenne Package?" I've learned from Kevin the Homework Guy that we as consumers are not legally required to to purchase any such dealer addition.
Untamed is knocking it out of the park!!! 😎
Haha thanks brother. =]
He’s the GM for a reason. Nice job dude
Best car channel on CZcams! Period.
Kevin Harris, good on you for taking the time to address these questions!
Amazing how much of a landmark moment it seemed to have a Toyota/Ford dealership executive show some humility and a willingness to change on behalf of customers. Thank you. I'll gladly make the 1.5 hour drive up there in search of the '25 4Runner when the time comes.
Thanks Kevin for sitting down to chat out of respect for your customers and the audience out here as well. It is very much appreciated in these unique times.
Not a fan of Ford and Hyundai and as a Toyota loyalist they should take note of those of you who still value customer service. I have bad customer service in Toyota dealers in the past so I always look to them as a last resort if I ever needed anything for my vehicle. Otherwise I use an independent specialist where we both value each other's time and honesty as well as he values my business that I bring him.
Very good interview. Customers just want to be treated fairly and I think this GM may have lost his way a little but is back on track now. It takes a big person to admit a mistake. I have always said the best transaction is always when it's a win for both sides.